Congressional Relations Associate

• Build and maintain productive bipartisan relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and relevant committees.
• Conduct routine outreach to congressional offices to strengthen awareness of Tribal Colleges and Universities and AIHEC priorities.
• Serve as AIHEC's day-to-day point of contact for congressional offices.
• Coordinate congressional meetings, briefings, office visits, and Capitol Hill events.
• Maintain congressional contact databases and relationship tracking.

• Monitor legislation, appropriations activity, committee hearings, and floor action affecting Tribal Colleges and Universities.
• Prepare legislative summaries, briefing memoranda, talking points, and background materials.
• Track appropriations requests, legislative priorities, and congressional action items.
• Assist the Vice President in reviewing legislative language and congressional impacts on Tribal Colleges and Universities.

• Assist Tribal College presidents in preparing for congressional meetings.
• Coordinate congressional participation in AIHEC events.
• Manage congressional scheduling and logistics for the annual Legislative Summit.
• Prepare leave-behind materials and congressional briefing books.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Government, Public Administration, Native American Studies, Higher Education, Communications, or a related field.
• Three to five years of professional experience in congressional affairs, government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of the U.S. Congress and the federal appropriations process.
• Experience coordinating congressional meetings or working with congressional offices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Experience working with Tribal Nations, Tribal Colleges and Universities, or Native-serving organizations.
• Knowledge of post-secondary education policy.

• Political Acumen: Understands political dynamics, stakeholder interests, and the legislative environment, and adjusts approaches accordingly.
• Relationship Management: Builds and maintains productive, trust-based relationships with congressional staff, member institutions, coalition partners, and other stakeholders.
• Influence and Persuasion: Communicates ideas effectively, builds consensus, and advances organizational priorities through collaboration and credibility.
• Initiative and Accountability: Demonstrates ownership of assignments, anticipates needs, follows through on commitments, and delivers results with minimal supervision.
• Cultural Awareness and Inclusion: Demonstrates respect for diverse perspectives and experiences and works effectively with Tribal Colleges and Universities and their stakeholders.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to communicate information and ideas, detect, determine, perceive, and observe details, particularly on a screen or on paper.
• Ability to spend more than half of the time viewing computer monitors.
• This position may require remaining in a stationary position 50% or more.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and in writing.
• Ability to travel independently and attend off-site meetings and events as required by business needs.

• Hybrid – DC Metro Area
• Travel up to 25% for meetings and conferences

• Salary Range: $85,000-$95,000 annually
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Company Paid)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance (Company Paid)
• Life Insurance (Company Paid)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with 6% Employer Match, subject to plan eligibility requirements
• Holidays and Paid Time Off